Friday Roundup

Friday has arrived.  Another week in the books.   I kept myself fairly busy this week.  Actually was out and about every day this week. Except for yesterday.  It was windy and wet so I decided not to go to my WW meeting.  Have to watch myself, though.  I am missing far too many meetings lately.  Not a good sign for me. 
 
Monday I was feeling pretty darn miserable.  Next time we go to Applebees I have to insist on sitting at a table with a chair, not a booth.  I know they there for more than two people, but I shouldn't have to suffer in pain the day after because of an uncomfortable seat.  We pay enough for dinner that we should be able to be seated comfortably, and I shouldn't have to worry about being in pain the next day.  

Tuesday I did some banking and shopping.  Shame on me.  I picked up a pint of ice cream and 6 marshmallow Easter eggs.  Cannot resist Easter candy. Not good when I am not making meetings on a weekly basis.  It is very easy for me to get off track.  Definitely not going to miss any more meetings.

Had an interesting class on Wednesday.  On vitamins and herbs. Always looking to learn something new. And lunch on Wednesday?  How about vegetable lasagna and salad.  Oh my.  It was so yummy.  Wish I had gotten a picture, but I was feeling pretty miserable.  I had wanted to stay for the yoga classes, but one of the discs in my back was bothering me.  It kept feeling like was going to go all the way out so I was a bit worried.

As you know, I stayed in yesterday, and made some jewelry.  

I made these earrings.

On a sad note, the pagan world lost another soul yesterday.  RIP Edain McCoy.  Gosh, I love her books.  And she was so young.  Only 61.  She died after a couple weeks battle with the flu.  So very sad.  
 
Heading here today with a group of peers from my jewelry class.   Been looking forward to this all week. 

Have a wonderful day.

Thursday Odds and Ends

A beautiful summer day at my favorite spot in my favorite park.  Can't wait to get there this year.  So serene and close to nature.

Lots of healthy foods on my list.  I try to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, but sometimes I just need something sweet.

This is an awesome book for those with eating disorders.  I have never been bulimic or anorexic, but I do have to own up to being an emotional eater and have been known to binge eat for months on end.  I used to hide food in the past because I wanted it all for myself.  For example, I'd buy a box of Entemann's eclairs, hide them, then sit and eat them all in one sitting.  I have definitely gotten much better as evidenced by the 53 pounds lost, but I still have my moments.  Just a couple weeks ago I bought a bunch of cream filled Easter egg candies and ate all of them myself.  Then I feel guilty that I didn't share. 

This was the old center I used to go to.  Was never really happy here.  They didn't offer anything, and when they did, no one seemed to be interested in anything but bingo and cards so they gave up.

Miss Minga with her little girl, Twinkie.  Twinkie ran away about 20 years ago.  We had moved from the house where she was born.  We decided that it would be best to move the furniture one day, then go back for the cats the next day so we left them with plenty of food and water.  The next day I had to work so we had planned on going that evening to pick them up.  Well, hubby decided to surprise me by having them home waiting for me.  Unfortunately he forgot to close the back door and when Twinkie saw the carrying case she ran away.  A few weeks later the new owners called to tell me she was there, but they couldn't hold her because they were going away.  I heard her little meow in the background, so hubby and I took her favorite treats, but there was no sign of her. We tried for three days straight.  No luck.  Then I received a call from the new owners asking why I hadn't gotten my cat.  We tried again and again, but no luck.  Finally, I realized that everything happens for a reason.  Twinkie was never meant to come here with us.  As I write this, I feel tears welling up.  I loved that little girl with her baby cry.

Sea gulls.  Hundreds of them right around the corner from my building.

My mom in her later years.  I look in the mirror and I see her looking back at me.  I tried to find a picture of me so you could see the resemblance, but I am always smiling and mom was always frowning.  She was a beautiful woman, but must have been so unhappy on the inside.

This is what I have to contend with during a snowy winter.  Not only do they not shovel, but those are cars parked in the bus stop.

How proud I was when I received my 25 pound charm.

Me and my grandfather.

Me and my grandmother.  They were both fairly old when I was born, especially grandma who was 11 years older than my granddad.  She was born in 1881, he in 1894.  I was born in 1947.  She was 66 when I was born.  My mom was a change of life baby.

Tuesday Ramble

Good Tuesday morning.  It's cool out, but not cold.  I want to get out today to do a few errands, but will be playing it by ear for awhile. My back was so bad last night that I went in at 7. It doesn't feel so hot now, but it never feels good in the morning. Have to see what happens after a hot shower, a couple tylenol, and a few minutes on the heating pad. 

I somehow expected this. I had even told Ralph before we went to Applebees that the seats in the booths were not kind to my back, but I sat in one anyway. I remember this happening to me once before after a trip there. Next time I will definitely tell them to seat me at a table with chairs. No more booths. 

Yesterday's wellness class was about stress. I really needed it.  Between my back pain and the ringing in my ears, I'd say I have been under a lot of stress lately.  So glad I have these classes to go to. Waiting patiently for the cooking class to open, and there is also a pet bereavement class that opened on Friday morning. Won't be able to go this Friday because of the bead show, but next Friday I would like to attend. It's been 3 years now, but the loss still hurts so badly.

Speaking of the ringing in my ears, I have pretty much adapted to the ringing in my ears during the day when I am busy, but at night when all was quiet, it hit me hard.  So I downloaded a couple of nature sound apps on my Kindle Fire, and every night have been falling asleep to the sound of a calming thunder storm.  I set it for 3 hours, and it not only helps with the ringing, but also lulls me to sleep.  I have always loved falling asleep to the sound of a storm.

Started a new subscription box and received my first one on Saturday.  It's actually for children but is advertised even for 'the young at heart'.  Each month you receive a number of projects to complete which are related to the theme of the month.  This month, of course, it was St. Patrick's day, but in my opinion they mailed them out too late.  Should have been here at least a week before St. Patrick's Day.

This month's kit includes Chris Leprechaun chia head.  Comes complete with a fancy hat, a lucky stone to paint (white and green paints included), a wishing pocket to sew and hold your wishes, a pressed clover and bottle kit, and a fairy feasting table to make.  And all for $8.95 plus shipping and handling.  Only problem with this one was the white paint leaked.  And anything I don't want to make, I figured I would put in a box and save for my great grands at Christmas.  They enjoy crafting.

Went to classes yesterday.  I try not to miss the arthritis exercises.  The gentle movement keeps my joints working and the arthritis in check...as much as it can be.  Hoping the new mattress does the trick.  It's coming tomorrow, late afternoon.    One more uncomfortable night.  It's a Bob-O-Pedic Hybrid Radiance Mattress.  It sure did cost enough so it had better do the job. 

What a lunch at the center yesterday!
 

  
BBQ chicken, gandules and rice and mixed vegetables. So yummy and only $1.50.

Have a good one.

Monday Morning This and That

Good morning everyone.  I'm back.  Shoulder is feeling better, but I am not going to push it. As they say, 'old age isn't for sissies', and they are so right.  When you get old, things that once worked well need a rest once in awhile.  To be honest, I got addicted to Bingo Bash and did more playing than I should have.  Caused a problem in my right shoulder and upper arm muscles.  Gosh, for a day or so, I could barely get my coat on.  Took it easy on everything last week....and definitely going to slow up with Bingo Bash. 

I think the arthritis exercises at the center have helped a lot.  We do a lot with shoulders and neck.   I also started taking the chair Tai Chi in the mornings, and that is wonderful.  Pretty similar to qigong.  The exercises here are much easier than the ones I used to do so I am able to stick with it.  Even going to try the chair yoga this week.  I've been told that it's quite soothing.  Worth a shot.  If I can't do it, I'll just stop.

So, what's been happening.  Last Monday I took my neighbor to the senior center with me.   She enjoyed it, but ended up injuring her back that evening so that was the end of it for awhile.  I sure can empathize with what she is dealing with.  The previous week we had gone to the SCRIE office to fill out a rent freeze application, but silly me, instead of taking the social security statement of earnings last year, I took my social security letter of increase this year. Darn, darn, darn. The office isn't around the corner.  I ended up making a copy of the letter and mailing it instead.  My rent is scheduled to increase until December so I do have plenty of time.

Been busy in jewelry class.

Made this boho necklace and bracelet.

and this:

I'm debating about taking it apart and redoing it as the rose looks better off to the side when wearing.

Wait til you hear this story.  Went to my WW meeting last Thursday.  I had skipped the previous week because I had a feeling if I got on the scale I would go over goal again.  I had made ravioli the previous weekend and ate it both Saturday and Sunday.  Needless to say, I am finding maintenance much harder than the losing stage.  So when I got on the scale I was .2 point to over my goal weight which meant I would have to pay.   But then I remembered I always take off my watch, something always do....and lo and behold...when  I took it off and got back on the scale, I was exactly at goal weight. Saved by the old watch.  Whew!!!  Went out for lunch with the girls with the money I would have paid WW.  Talk about luck. 

Went to Applebees last night.  Had a delicious dinner.  No corned beef and cabbage like me.  I never did like it.  

Love that Southwestern salad--grilled steak topped with chimichurri. Served with mixed greens, black beans, corn salsa, a blend of Cheddar cheeses, tortilla strips and a house-made cilantro ranch. Awesome. 

After dinner we went to Bob's furniture and FINALLY got a new mattress. It feels wonderful. I do hope it helps. So tired of waking in pain. After that, Ralph says, "Let's go to Carvels" so off we went and I had a chocolate sundae. Yummy, but way off my points budget, but hey, how often to I go out like that? Sometimes you just have to forget the points.

Spring weather has made an appearance here in Brooklyn, and I am loving it.  It actually reached 75 on Friday. It's much cooler today, but I'll take it.  I can't walk as much as I used to, but I do try to get out a little bit on each of the nice days.  I get depressed that pain has taken away my dance exercise, but I thought about it, and instead sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I have take advantage of the good days, the days I can around well....and that is exactly what I have been doing.  So thankful to have found a place so close that has so many enjoyable activities....and good food.

Have a good one.  More tomorrow.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time — a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic. 

Adrienne Cook

May the Irish hills caress you.

May her lakes and rivers bless you.

May the luck of the Irish enfold you.

May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

Irish Blessing

Have a fun-filled and safe day.

Saturday Quote

Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you? 

Fanny Brice

Friday Roundup

Good morning.  It's been a cold week here in Brooklyn.  Winter just doesn't want to let go.  Weather was bad on Monday so I stayed in. Didn't want to chance a fall.  On Tuesday I headed out to put some cash that hubby gave me into the bank so I could pay some bills.  This is what the ground looked like so I am glad I chose not to go out on Monday.

This is at the bus stop.  We have to climb over this to get to the bus....or wait in the street which I chose to do.  You'd best believe I called it into the MTA when I got home.

This is in front of the empty lot next door.  Just enough to make you fall if you step wrong.  Shame is that people are supposed to be fined when they don't take care of the sidewalk in front of their homes, but the city does nothing to enforce the law.  Yes, this is an empty lot, but there is an owner who paid millions of dollars to buy the homes that were there and tear them down, so I feel he can certainly afford to have someone take care of the sidewalk in front of his property.

Wednesday I headed over to my Holistic Medicine class.  I swear, this one turned into a group therapy session where we talked about dealing with feelings of loneliness that can come from change....namely when you have worked so many years and find yourself retired.  We talked about losing contact with our peers and not feeling a part of anymore.  It was a great group, but felt a little strange to me being a group member after having led so many of them. Now I was on the other side.

I didn't go to WW yesterday.  Not only was I not ready to get on the scale, but my neighbor and I were going to head to the SCRIE office. Been looking for two years for affordable housing and it's just not out there. I mean, who can afford to pay $2000 or more in monthly rent. That's what they call affordable. So we're going to apply for SCRIE. That will put a cap on what they can charge me for rent. Any increases will be paid through SCRIE.  But, then at the last minute they came to do her kitchen flooring so we put it off until Tuesday.  

Heading out the morning for my classes.  Friday is an all day thing for me, and I love it.  Making some nice new friends there, and I am happy.  

Will be taking a one or two week break from blogging.  My shoulder blade is bothering me, and I know it's because of the way I sit when I am typing.  I have consciously tried changing my positioning of it, but always fall back to the old way. Will continue to visit your blogs, but taking a break from my own.

Have a great weekend.